GB2475678A - Contact Lens Handling Towel - Google Patents
Contact Lens Handling Towel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2475678A GB2475678A GB0920574A GB0920574A GB2475678A GB 2475678 A GB2475678 A GB 2475678A GB 0920574 A GB0920574 A GB 0920574A GB 0920574 A GB0920574 A GB 0920574A GB 2475678 A GB2475678 A GB 2475678A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- towel
- microfibre
- contact lens
- biocide
- polyester
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 229920001410 Microfiber Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 239000003658 microfiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 230000003115 biocidal effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000003139 biocide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 150000003856 quaternary ammonium compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium chloride Substances [NH4+].[Cl-] NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000019270 ammonium chloride Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920006149 polyester-amide block copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 9
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 208000001860 Eye Infections Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 241000224422 Acanthamoeba Species 0.000 description 2
- BLRPTPMANUNPDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silane Chemical compound [SiH4] BLRPTPMANUNPDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000004087 cornea Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 125000001183 hydrocarbyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 125000004433 nitrogen atom Chemical group N* 0.000 description 2
- 229910000077 silane Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 206010069408 Acanthamoeba keratitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010010741 Conjunctivitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000010217 blepharitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000002421 cell wall Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000008025 hordeolum Diseases 0.000 description 1
- RNYJXPUAFDFIQJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydron;octadecan-1-amine;chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[NH3+] RNYJXPUAFDFIQJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002458 infectious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100001032 irritation of the eye Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 206010023332 keratitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000001453 quaternary ammonium group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000008399 tap water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020679 tap water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004393 visual impairment Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M16/00—Biochemical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. enzymatic
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/02—Towels
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M13/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment
- D06M13/322—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment with compounds containing nitrogen
- D06M13/46—Compounds containing quaternary nitrogen atoms
- D06M13/463—Compounds containing quaternary nitrogen atoms derived from monoamines
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06M13/00—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment
- D06M13/50—Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, with non-macromolecular organic compounds; Such treatment combined with mechanical treatment with organometallic compounds; with organic compounds containing boron, silicon, selenium or tellurium atoms
- D06M13/51—Compounds with at least one carbon-metal or carbon-boron, carbon-silicon, carbon-selenium, or carbon-tellurium bond
- D06M13/513—Compounds with at least one carbon-metal or carbon-boron, carbon-silicon, carbon-selenium, or carbon-tellurium bond with at least one carbon-silicon bond
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a microfibre contact lens handling towel (1 figure 1), which may be treated with a biocide is disclosed along with a method of use. A microfibre towel comprising a biocide for general-purpose use is also disclosed. The towel is of particular use in environments where sterility is desirous, such as hospitals. The microfiber is preferably a mix of 80% polyester with 20% polyamide. The biocide may be an organosilicon quaternary ammonium compound. The towel may comprise a microfiber filament 2 having a star shaped polyester core 3 with polyester spokes 4 and polyamide wedges 5 lying between the polyester spokes.
Description
Hygienic Towels The present invention relates to hygienic towels. In particular it relates to a contact lens handling towel and a microfibre towel comprising a biocide.
Keratitis is a condition in which the cornea, the transparent covering at the front of the eye, becomes inflamed. The condition is often marked by moderate to intense pain and usually involves impaired eyesight.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but very painful and potentially blinding infection of the cornea, The rate of is approximately one in 30000 contact lens wearers. Approximately 90% of cases are associated with contact lens use.
The organism that causes the infection, acanthamoeba, is a genus of arnobae and can be found in tap water, swimming pools and other environments.
Various other infections associated with contact lens wearing also occur, including blepharitis, styes and conjunctivitis.
One of the measures recommended to contact lens wearers to reduce the chances of contracting an ocular infection is to wash hands before handling contact lenses. However, despite this precaution infection is still possible.
Furthermore, another problem associated with contact lens insertion is the possibility of contamination of the eye of small particles such as dust and lint.
These can lead to irritation of the eye and increase the chances of an ocular infection.
As mentioned above, contact lens wearers are instructed to wash hands before inserting a contact lens. Subsequent to washing the wearer must dry hands before handling and inserting the lens. In the process of drying the wearer can pick up pieces of lint or other material from the towel on which they dry their hands. Furthermore, infectious organisms, such as acanthamoeba, may be present on the towel, and thereby recontaminate the wearer's hands.
It is clear the insertion of contact lenses into the eye can be a dangerous procedure.
The present invention seeks to address these issues.
According to the present invention there is provided a contact lens handling towel comprising an area of microfibre.
The provision of a microfibre towel results in minimization of the possibility of lint being picked up from the towel when a person is drying their hands and subsequently transferred into a person's eye. Use of the towel also efficaciously cleans the hands of the person using it, substantially removing all dirt, microbes, grease and moisture.
Preferably the contact lens handling towel is substantially sterile.
The provision of a sterile towel reduces the risk of contamination of a person's hands after washing.
Preferably the microfibre of the contact lens handling towel is comprised of polyester and polyamide. More preferably the microfibre of the contact lens handling towel comprises between 85% and 70% polyester and 15% and 30% polyamide. Even more preferably the microfibre of the contact lens handling towel comprises 80% polyester and 20% polyamide. Preferably the polyamide is nylon.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inserting a contact lens comprising the step of drying at least one hand on a contact lens handling towel comprising an area of microfibre.
Preferably the contact lens handling towel is sterile.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a microfibre towel comprising a biocide.
The microfibre towel is of use in a variety of situations where it is desirous to have a lint-free towel with biocidal activity.
In one embodiment the biocide is an organosilicon quaternary ammonium compound. A preferred biocide is 3-Trimethoxy silyl propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride.
Preferably the microfibre towel is comprised of polyester and polyamide. More preferably the microfibre towel comprises between 85% and 70% polyester and 15% and 30% polyanlide. Even more preferably the microfibre towel comprises 80% polyester and 20% polyamide. Preferably the polyamide is nylon.
Preferably the microfibre towel is substantially sterile.
In one embodiment the microfibre towel is a contact lens handling towel.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of drying a surface comprising the application of a microfibre towel comprising a biocide.
Preferably the microfibre towel is sterile.
In one embodiment the biocide is an organosilicon quaternary ammonium compound. A preferred biocide is 3-Trimethoxy silyl propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride.
In order that the invention may be more fully understood a specific embodiment will now be described with reference to the following drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a towel made in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram demonstrating the interaction of cotton filaments with dirt, microbes, grease and moisture; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram demonstrating the interaction of microfibre filaments with dirt, microbes, grease and moisture.
Figure 4 is the chemical structure of 3-Trimethoxy silyl propyl dirnethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride.
Denier is a unit of measurement for the linear mass density of fibres. One denier is equivalent to one gram per 9000 metres. A microfibre is a synthetic fibre that measures less than one denier. This is in contrast to cotton fibres that measure around 200 denier.
Microfibre is typically made from polyester and polyamide. Referring to figure 1, contact lens handling towel 1 comprises rnicrofibre made from 80% polyester and 20% polyarnide. It is evident, however, that other ratios of polyester to polyamide may be used, such as 70/30, 85/1 5, and 75/25. In the present embodiment the polyamide is nylon.
Referring to Figure 2, a microfibre filament 2 of towel 1 comprises a star-shaped polyester core 3 comprising polyester spokes 4. Polyamide wedges 5 lie between the polyester spokes.
Polyester is oleophilic, having an affinity to oil and grease. In contrast the polyamide is hydrophilic, having an attraction to water. Thus the application of the rnicrofibre towel to a surface removes both oil and water. Further, as a microfibre filament moves over the surface of human skin 9 in the direction of arrow A as shown in Figure 2, dirt, microbes, grease and moisture 6, is trapped between spokes 4 and wedges 5, thus substantially cleaning the skin's surface.
This is in contrast to the use of a cotton fibre 7, as schematically shown in Figure 3. As cotton fibre 7 moves across the surface of human skin 10 some of the dirt, microbes, grease and moisture 8 is removed from the skin, but a large quantity is merely smeared on the surface, where it remains once the cotton fibre is removed.
Thus, in use, a person wishing to insert a contact lens to their eye may wash their hands and dry at least one hand on the contact lens handling towel 1.
The action of the towel on the hand is to substantially remove all dirt, microbes, grease and moisture. Thus the chances of the person contracting an ocular infection through inserting a contact lens into their eye are greatly reduced.
Turning to Figure 5 and a second embodiment of the present invention, a microfibre towel 1 is treated with a biocide, more specifically an organosilicon quaternary ammonium. In particular, the towel is treated with 3-Trimethoxy silyl propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride (AEGIS® as produced by AEGIS Environments), the structural formula of which is set out in Figure 4.
AEGIS® is particularly efficacious as a biocide. Once microfibre towel 11 has been treated with AEGIS® it remains permanently bonded to the towel. Thus the biocidal effect never wears off, and the towel may be washed and reused indefinitely.
The AEGIS® molecule comprises three main portions. The silane base, which bonds to the towel, the positively charged nitrogen atom, and the long hydrocarbon chain. The silane base is covalently bonded to the surface of the towel, the positively charged nitrogen atom attracts microbes towards it, and the long hydrocarbon chain spears the microbe cell walls, thus destroying the microbes.
Treatment of the towel with a biocide, especially AEGIS®, is particularly advantageous as in addition to removing dirt, microbes, grease and moisture from a surface 10, as the microfibre towel effectively sterilizes the surface as it moves across it.
The towel is not specifically for use with contact lenses, but of course may be used for this purpose. The microfibre towel may be used in a variety of situations where cleanliness and sterility is a priority, for example in hospitals.
In use, a person may apply the towel to any surface. The action of the towel on the surface is to substantially remove all dirt, microbes, grease and moisture and to at least partially sterilize the surface through action of the biocide.
It is evident that towels made in accordance with the invention may comprise microfibre in only one area, for example on one side of the towel. However, it is preferable that both sides of towels made in accordance with the invention comprise microfibre. It is indeed preferable that the towels substantially comprise of microfibre.
It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that in relation to the embodiments of the invention different biocides may be employed, for example the microfibre towel may be impregnated with silver or any other
suitable biocide.
The above embodiments are by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
- Claims: 1. A contact lens handling towel comprising an area of microfibre.
- 2. The contact lens handling towel of claim 1 wherein the towel is substantially sterile.
- 3. The contact lens handling towel of claim 1 or 2 wherein the microfibre is comprised of polyester and polyamide.
- 4. The contact lens handling towel of any preceding claim wherein the microfibre comprises 80% polyester and 20% polyamide.
- 5. A method of inserting a contact lens comprising the step of drying at least one hand on a contact lens handling towel comprising an area of microfibre.
- 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the contact lens handling towel is sterile.
- 7. A microfibre towel comprising a biocide.
- 8. The microfibre towel of claim 7 wherein the biocide is an organosilicon quaternary ammonium compound.
- 9. The microfibre towel of claim 7 wherein the biocide is 3-Trimethoxy silyl propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride.
- 10. The microfibre towel of any of claims 7 to 9 wherein the microfibre comprises 80% polyester and 20% polyamide.
- 11. The microfibre towel of any of claims 7 to 10 wherein the contact lens handling towel is substantially sterile.
- 12. The microfibre towel of any of claims 7 to 11 wherein the microfibre towel is a contact lens handling towel.
- 13. A method of drying a surface comprising the application of a microfibre towel comprising a biocide.
- 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the microfibre towel is sterile.
- 15. The method of claim 13 or 14 wherein the biocide is an organosilicon quaternary ammonium compound.
- 16. The method of any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the biocide is 3-Trimethoxy silyl propyl dimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride.
- 17. A contact lens handling towel substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- 18. A microfibre towel substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- 19. A method of inserting a contact lens substantially as described herein.
- 20. A method of drying a surface substantially as described herein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0920574A GB2475678A (en) | 2009-11-25 | 2009-11-25 | Contact Lens Handling Towel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0920574A GB2475678A (en) | 2009-11-25 | 2009-11-25 | Contact Lens Handling Towel |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0920574D0 GB0920574D0 (en) | 2010-01-06 |
| GB2475678A true GB2475678A (en) | 2011-06-01 |
Family
ID=41565799
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0920574A Withdrawn GB2475678A (en) | 2009-11-25 | 2009-11-25 | Contact Lens Handling Towel |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2475678A (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0641539A1 (en) * | 1993-09-07 | 1995-03-08 | Burkhardt, Margarete | Cleaning product |
| WO2003032726A1 (en) * | 2001-10-12 | 2003-04-24 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Antimicrobially-treated fabrics |
| JP2005274666A (en) * | 2004-03-23 | 2005-10-06 | Toray Ind Inc | Method for cleaning contact lens and cloth piece for cleaning the contact lens |
| US20070148446A1 (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Wipes including microencapsulated delivery vehicles and processes of producing the same |
-
2009
- 2009-11-25 GB GB0920574A patent/GB2475678A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0641539A1 (en) * | 1993-09-07 | 1995-03-08 | Burkhardt, Margarete | Cleaning product |
| WO2003032726A1 (en) * | 2001-10-12 | 2003-04-24 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Antimicrobially-treated fabrics |
| JP2005274666A (en) * | 2004-03-23 | 2005-10-06 | Toray Ind Inc | Method for cleaning contact lens and cloth piece for cleaning the contact lens |
| US20070148446A1 (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2007-06-28 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Wipes including microencapsulated delivery vehicles and processes of producing the same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0920574D0 (en) | 2010-01-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |